Stevenson dislocates thumb, still helps Centennial put away Legacy

The Centennial junior rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries to help host Centennial roll to a 41-13 win over Legacy in a Sunset Region quarterfinal. The Bulldogs (9-1) will visit No. 1 Bishop Gorman next Friday in a semifinal.

“Rhamondre was the man tonight,” Centennial head coach Leon Evans said. “He had a couple of those runs where you thought he was going down after a 2- or 3-yard gain and he would turn it into a 22-23-yard run. It was a big night for that kid. He’s special. He dislocated his thumb, came back and kept battling. I’m glad he’s on our sideline.”

Stevenson’s most impressive run came on a play midway through the second quarter where he was bottled up for what appeared to be a 2-yard gain. However, Stevenson kept his legs moving, broke five tackles and rumbled for a 25-yard gain. He ended up dislocating his thumb on the play, but he still gained 46 yards. He also caught a 54-yard pass after his injury.

Stevenson, who said he’d definitely be ready for next week, had a simple explanation for that run.

“I was just determined, trying to get into the end zone,” he said.

The Bulldogs appeared to start the game in grand fashion when Brandan Harley returned the opening kickoff 97 yards. However, an illegal blocking penalty well behind the play negated the return. However, the Bulldogs still had good field position at the Legacy 35. Stevenson capped the 2-play drive with his 22-yard touchdown run.

The Longhorns fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and it appeared Centennial was off to the races. However, the drive stalled following a sack, and the Bulldogs’ fake punt came up short of the first down.

The defensive stop led to a 61-yard run by DeMichael Walker that gave the Longhorns a spark. Justin Whitehead scored on a 3-yard run to tie the game at 7-7. Walker finished the night rushing for 191 yards and a touchdown.

“We were able to settle our defense down after that drive,” Evans said. “DeMichael is a very good running back. We told them we have to eliminate the big runs, and we did that for the most part. He’s a talented back and he’s going to get his. You have to contain him and not try to completely stop him.”

After Legacy’s score, the Bulldogs regained their focus and scored the next 24 points to end the competitive phase of the contest.

Centennial quarterback Juan Rodriguez threw the first of his three touchdown passes when he connected with Ivan Ochoa-Serrano on a 36-yard scoring strike midway through the first quarter.

Rodriguez extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 24-7 when he rushed for a 30-yard score. The Bulldogs’ first-half onslaught continued when Rodriguez hit Kevin Wiesner on a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Rodriguez threw for 143 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 90 yards and another score.

Evans was not pleased with the sloppy play of his team early in the game. Penalties and sacks ended potential scoring drives, and missed tackles were a cause for concern.

“The biggest things is penalties and taking care of ourselves,” Evans said. “Our intensity level was not where it needs to be. We came out awfully flat. We told the kids last week was over and we’ve got to step up. Just like tonight, this week’s over and tomorrow we have to get ready for Gorman. We cannot hold onto last week’s wins or losses.

“I have to make sure we come out next week playing inspired football.”